Xiamen finalises order for six 787s

Chinese carrier Xiamen Airlines has finalised an order with Boeing for six 787-8 aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2014, according to the Seattle-based manufacturer.

Boeing says that the aircraft have a value of $1.3 billion at list prices, though airlines typically pay less.

Xiamen, an all Boeing operator, will use the 787s to launch new long-haul flights from the Chinese province of Fujian to Europe, North American and Australia, according to Boeing's media release.

"Adding 787s to our all-Boeing fleet is a strategic decision to facilitate our international expansion plans," says Xiamen's president and chief executive Che Shanglun in the media release. "The range and efficiency of the 787 makes it an ideal fit in our new, non-stop international routes."

Xiamen announced at the Paris Air Show in June that it had signed a letter of intent with GE Aviation to purchase GEnx-1B engines for its 787s. The deal, worth $560 million, included engine service under GE's OnPoint maintenance programme.

Xiamen's fleet currently includes 97 Boeing aircraft, including 91 737-family aircraft and six 757-200s, says Boeing. The airline serves 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes.